Rolf Szymanski | Die Frauen von Messina

The figural ensemble by Rolf Szymanski (b. 1928 in Leipzig) was acquired for an urban planning context that never came about at this site; the theatre that was long planned to be built here was ultimately realised elsewhere. At the time of the piece’s installation, only the expansive flight of stairs leading up from the lowerlying Raschplatz alludes to the former vision. At the top of these stairs, by contrast, a provisional department store building was transformed into the »Pavillon« cultural centre. The piece now points to a »what if…?« situation regarding Hannover’s urban planning – and must create its own space by itself. In the process, the vaguely figural sculptures might suggest references to the stage and theatrical productions, but also to courses of action in an urban society. The titles of the individual works contribute to this association: »Black Sun Press«, »Quelle« [Source], and »Tag des Überflusses« [Day of Excess]. Further works in Hannover: »Große Synagoge« [Large Synagogue] on Karl-Wiechert-Allee, »Die öffentliche Rose« [The Public Rose] on Waterlooplatz. » Location: Raschplatz (stairway leading to the »Pavillon« cultural centre)